Internal Communications Manager

Primary responsibilities

* Devise and implement internal communications strategies and plans that that support the firm's strategic initiatives under our Ambition strategy.

Strategic input

*Working closely with the Head of Internal Communications, Strategic Initiatives & Channels, and Director of Corporate Communications, develop, manage and implement internal communications strategies and plans for global strategic initiatives that support the firm's Ambition strategy. This will include areas such as:

- Digital & Legal Transformation - for example, working with the Sydney-based Internal Communications Manager on communications to the firm about our AI and digitalisation strategy and priorities, including adoption of AI capabilities and tools; improvement of AI and tech fluency across the firm; and digital change, more generally.

* a range of communications needs arising from the integration of the former Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer and ongoing work to align systems, processes and ways of working; and to aid in developing a one-firm culture across the merged firm.

* People & Culture initiatives/work/projects aimed at fostering a high-performing culture where people of all backgrounds have an opportunity to thrive - for example, learning and development programmes and campaigns; employee value proposition; firm Values; inclusion initiatives and reporting of data on progress; engagement survey and other feedback mechanisms; and other areas of work. This will also involve working closely with the Head of Internal Communications, Strategic Initiatives & Channels, and Director of

Corporate Communications to manage, where required, sensitive and complex issues.

* other global comms pieces/initiatives in the firm's BAU cycle of communications - for example, the annual partner promotions; communications planning and announcements of senior hires; and more.

* Act as a trusted adviser on internal communications to key stakeholders (including global and regional leaders).

* Influence key stakeholders to adopt best practice in internal communications.

* Collaborate with other Internal Comms team members and the External Comms team to ensure strategic alignment.

* Identify and instigate improvements to the firm's internal communications, including innovative, effective channels to support employee engagement.

* Provide specialist advice on internal communications and the most suitable format or tools for the given audience. Employ data analysis to test effectiveness.

* Manage day-to-day relationships with external suppliers as required.

Design and create communications strategy, plans and campaigns to support the firm's strategic initiatives under the Ambition strategy - ensure approach and content is engaging and effective.

* Contribute content to communications for the CEO/other leaders as well as other communications channels.

* Collaborate with the External Communications team to ensure internal and external messages and timings are aligned.

* Collaborate with others in the Internal Communications team on the design and delivery of global internal communications campaigns as needed.

Operational competencies

* First-rate writing, editing and oral-communication skills.

* Ability to interface with stakeholders at all levels within the firm.

* Outstanding influencing and stakeholder-management skills - and ability to simultaneously manage several stakeholders (often with differing preferences/options/input).

* Exceptional judgment, discretion, responsiveness and initiative.

* Ability to think strategically and visualise the 'bigger picture'.

* Ability to translate the firm's business strategy into easy-to-understand language to communicate to partners and staff in a clear and meaningful way.

* Thorough understanding of the culture and workings of a global law firm or professional services business with a partnership structure.

* Strong planning and organisational skills.

* Highly collaborative, with a team mindset and willingness to play an active role in a cohesive, high-functioning team.

* Ability to take ownership of projects and proactively report on progress.

* Ability to plan and reprioritise to meet changes in needs - and meet deadlines in the face of tight timelines and conflicting or competing demands.

* Resilience and enthusiasm when working in a busy, challenging environment.

* Commercial mindset.

* Interest in and willingness to explore new communication channels.

* Proficiency with IT and familiarity with relevant digital platforms.

Experience, skills and qualifications

* Ten-plus years' internal communications experience in a corporate environment, preferably a law firm or professional services organisation with a partnership structure.

* Project-management skills to run effective communications campaigns.

* Outstanding editorial skills.

* Experience of managing communications plans targeted with the objective of supporting business strategy, raising and maintaining awareness, supporting collaboration and reducing silos.

* Problem-identification and resolution skills; solid judgement and decision-making skills.

* Tact, diplomacy and tenacity.

* High degree of proactivity.

* Evidence of having built strong, lasting relationships with leaders and stakeholders.

* Proven ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively across all levels of the firm, verbally and in writing.

* Experience of managing and delivering communications across multiple time zones, in a multicultural environment.

* Up-to-date knowledge of internal communications tools and strategies.

* Experienced of dealing with ambiguity and adapting to changing circumstances.

* An innovative mindset, curious about AI and emerging technologies.